Desktop Metal tells us that the money will be used to fuel the company’s speed to market, expand its sales programs, as well as progress the development of advanced R&D. International expansion is set to commence in 2018.

Speaking about today’s news Ric Fulop, CEO and co-founder, said “We are on the brink of an exciting transformation in how metal parts will be designed, prototyped, and ultimately mass produced.”

This latest funding puts us in an ideal position to ship our Studio System in the coming months and our Production System in 2018, while also enabling us to grow our company globally. The continued support of our investors underscores the power of our metal 3D printing solutions to help engineers and manufacturers, for the first time, apply metal 3D printing for the entire product development lifecycle – from prototyping to cost effectively mass producing complex metal parts.

The announcement comes less than 3 months since Fulop unveiled the Desktop Metal Studio System to the world on the stage of RAPID. During the Pittsburgh event Desktop Metal were the center of attention, with a prominent, busy booth and even sponsoring the wi-fi for the show.

Desktop Metal 3D printing separable support system.

100 times faster than current AM systems

While the Studio System took center stage, the company also brought their Production System to Pittsburgh. Based on Desktop Metal’s proprietary Single Pass Jetting (SPJ) technology, the company claim it is 100 times faster than current laser-based additive manufacturing systems.

Speaking about the investment Steve Taub, Senior Director of Advanced Manufacturing, GE Ventures said,“Our mission at GE Ventures is to invest in startups with cutting-edge technologies.”

Desktop Metal’s team and technology have delivered on exactly what they’ve promised: a vision to change the way parts are manufactured, with the innovative metal 3D printing technology to make that a reality. We see a huge potential for engineers to rethink the way parts and products are made both domestically and abroad.

Michael Petch is the editor-in-chief at 3DPI and the author of several books on 3D printing. He is a regular keynote speaker at technology conferences where he has delivered presentations such as 3D printing with graphene and ceramics and the use of technology to enhance food security. Michael is most interested in the science behind emerging technology and the accompanying economic and social implications.